About: mercenaries
Russian troops ill-prepared for Ukraine war, says ex-Wagner mercenary
The Russian military's failure to seize the Ukrainian capital was inevitable because in the preceding years they had never directly faced a powerful enemy, according to a former mercenary with the Kremlin-linked Wagner Group who fought alongside the Russian army.
Russia sets deadline for Ukraine troops in Mariupol to surrender
Russia's defence ministry has told the Ukrainian forces still fighting in the besieged southern port of Mariupol to lay down their arms starting 6 a.m. Moscow time (0300 GMT) on Sunday (17 April) to save their lives.
EU ends part of Mali training mission, fearing Russian interference, Borrell says
The EU on Monday (11 April) decided to halt its military training missions in Mali but will keep a presence in the Sahel, the bloc's top diplomat said.
Malian forces, suspected Russian fighters killed 300 civilians: HRW
Malian forces and suspected Russian fighters killed about 300 civilians in late March in the centre of the conflict-torn Sahel nation, Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday (5 April).
As Ukraine invasion drags on, Putin says Russia to use Middle East volunteer fighters
Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the green light on Friday (11 March) for up to 16,000 volunteers from the Middle East to be deployed alongside Russian-backed rebels to fight in Ukraine, doubling down an invasion that the West says has...
Will France quit Mali? Crunch time nears as junta defies Paris
As relations between France and Mali sour rapidly, Paris is wondering whether it is time to stop providing military backup to a country run by a junta that has defied the international community.
Russian mercenaries deploy to eastern Ukraine
Russian mercenaries have deployed to separatist-controlled eastern Ukraine in recent weeks to bolster defences against Ukrainian government forces as tensions between Moscow and the West rise, four sources have told Reuters.
EU suspends military training in Central Africa over Russian mercenaries
The European Union has suspended its training mission for soldiers in Central African Republic (CAR) because of fears it could get tied up in violations of international law by Russian mercenaries, the mission said on Wednesday (15 December).
EU eyes more sanctions on Russian mercenaries Wagner
EU foreign ministers agreed Monday (15 November) to draw up more sanctions on shadowy Russian mercenary group Wagner over its involvement in a string of hotspots, the bloc's foreign policy chief said.
Lavrov says Mali asked private Russian military company for help
Mali has asked a private Russian military company to help it fight against insurgents, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday (25 September) at the United Nations.
EU foreign policy chief warns Mali against Russian mercenary deal
European Union ties with Mali could be seriously affected if it allows Russian private military contractors to operate in the country, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned on Monday (20 September).
Deal allowing Russian mercenaries into Mali is close – sources
A deal is close that would allow Russian mercenaries into Mali, extending Russian influence over security affairs in West Africa and triggering opposition from former colonial power France, seven diplomatic and security sources said.
Arab League, UN, EU and AU demand foreign forces leave Libya
The Arab League, United Nations, European Union and the African Union on Tuesday (20 April) demanded an immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces from Libya.